Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
Draft law amending the Act on the Implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union and the Feed Act (546 SE) – Second Reading
2025-01-21
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to legislation that increases the administrative burden and unpredictability for entrepreneurs, especially in agriculture. This stance is results-oriented, criticizing the government's inability to fulfill its promise not to increase bureaucracy and questioning the relevance of the government's priorities during an economic recession. Isamaa does not intend to support these legal acts in their current form, as, in the speaker’s assessment, this is not acceptable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the share of agricultural subsidies, the category of social conditionality, and the impact of administrative burden on the functioning of enterprises. Technical terms are used, and reference is made to the consequences of European Union overregulation, citing the metaphor of plastic caps and the resulting volume of additional plastic production (eight tons per year).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is critical and pressing, employing metaphors—such as plastic bottle caps and the rules governing equine races—to illustrate the absurdity of bureaucracy. The tone is combative toward the government and the Rural Affairs Committee, balancing the logical analysis of economic risks with an emotional appeal regarding the issue of irrelevance. The speaker employs rhetorical questions and irony to highlight the skewed nature of the priorities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to a recent political meeting, mentioning Saturday's conversation with Germany's future Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, where they discussed the problems of European overregulation. Data regarding other regular activity patterns or frequency is unavailable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the Government and the Rural Affairs Committee, who face criticism for setting irrelevant priorities (such as the issue of battery chickens or horse racing) at a time when the economy is in a slump. The criticism is rooted in policy and procedure, focusing specifically on the trend of unacceptable growth in administrative red tape. The opposition is robust, manifesting as a refusal to support the draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
In terms of cooperation, there is no indication of cross-party activity or a willingness to compromise regarding the draft bill currently under review. The speaker calls for unified action ("Let's try to pull ourselves together") in advocating for rural life and food producers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is directed towards both the over-regulation within the European Union and the regional business sector and rural life in Estonia. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to advocate for agricultural businesses and food producers, shielding them from excessive bureaucracy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly focused on reducing regulations, stressing that the administrative burden must not grow, since this creates instability and unpredictability for businesses. The speaker is concerned about the economic recession and defends the interests of agricultural entrepreneurs, opposing the bureaucratic trend.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, the government’s priorities are being criticized, as addressing the problem of caged hens is deemed irrelevant given the current security and economic situation. It is emphasized that the social purpose of technology is to make life more comfortable and improve quality of life, not to cause inconvenience.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing Draft Law 546 SE (the draft law amending the Act on the Implementation of the EU Common Agricultural Policy and the Feed Act) because it increases the administrative burden. The speaker is the opposing party, demanding that a new approach be formulated for the implementation of European Union rules to avoid additional risks for businesses.
2 Speeches Analyzed